Key takeaways
- Fuel access: Pick natural gas only if you already have a gas line near the patio or are willing to pay a plumber to run one; otherwise propane keeps you flexible.
- BTU output: Budget roughly 5,000 BTU per 20 square feet of open patio, so a 45,000 BTU unit comfortably warms a 6-to-8 person seating area.
- Running cost: Natural gas typically costs a third to half as much per hour as propane, which matters if you heat several nights a week.
- Safety features: Insist on an anti-tilt automatic shut-off and CSA or CE certification, both of which the better units here carry.
- Portability vs. permanence: Wheels and a drink shelf make a heater easy to reposition, while hard-plumbed models trade mobility for convenience.
What's inside
Choosing between propane and natural gas is the single biggest decision you will make when buying an outdoor patio heater, and it shapes everything from your monthly running cost to where the unit can physically sit. Propane models run on refillable 20-pound tanks and go anywhere, while natural gas units plumb directly into your home’s gas line for an endless, cheaper flame that never runs dry mid-evening. In 2026, most of the strongest heaters we tested lean toward natural gas for permanent patios, though dual-fuel designs blur the line nicely.
To help you match the fuel to your space, we compared six popular heaters ranging from compact 20,000 BTU radiant units to towering 49,000 BTU glass-tube models. Below you will find our full picks along with a plain-English buying framework so you can decide with confidence rather than guesswork.
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Watch: Patio Heater Fuel Types: Propane vs. Natural Gas — Video Review
How to Choose
- Fuel access: Pick natural gas only if you already have a gas line near the patio or are willing to pay a plumber to run one; otherwise propane keeps you flexible.
- BTU output: Budget roughly 5,000 BTU per 20 square feet of open patio, so a 45,000 BTU unit comfortably warms a 6-to-8 person seating area.
- Running cost: Natural gas typically costs a third to half as much per hour as propane, which matters if you heat several nights a week.
- Safety features: Insist on an anti-tilt automatic shut-off and CSA or CE certification, both of which the better units here carry.
- Portability vs. permanence: Wheels and a drink shelf make a heater easy to reposition, while hard-plumbed models trade mobility for convenience.
The Best Picks Reviewed
Golden Flame Resort 49,000 BTU Natural Gas Heater
At $399.87 this glass-tube tower is the showpiece of the group, pushing 49,000 BTU through a mesmerizing visible flame. Mobility wheels and an included protective cover make it the most complete package for a fixed patio with a gas hookup.
Outdoor Natural Gas Patio Heater, 45,000 BTU XL-Series
Standing 89 inches tall with an anti-tilt safety shut-off, this $378.87 heater adds a built-in drink table and wheels. The XL-series reflector spreads heat wide, making it a smart choice for restaurants and larger home decks alike.
Stainless Steel Natural Gas Heater with 24-Foot Hose
Two closely related stainless models ($315 and $326) share a generous 24-foot hose and an adjustable 55-to-78-inch height. CE and CSA certification plus rust-resistant steel make them a dependable spring-and-autumn workhorse.
Mr. Heater 30,000 BTU Vent-Free Blue Flame Dual Fuel
The most versatile pick at $265.39, this dual-fuel unit burns either natural gas or propane, so you are never locked in. Its blue-flame convection design warms enclosed porches and three-season rooms evenly rather than just radiating outward.
Mr. Heater 20,000 BTU Vent-Free Radiant Dual Fuel
At $240.65 this compact radiant heater is the budget-friendly entry point. It targets warmth directly at people nearby, ideal for a small two-to-four person patio or a chilly corner where a full tower would be overkill.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is natural gas really cheaper than propane?
Yes. Per BTU, natural gas usually costs 40 to 60 percent less than propane, so heavy users recoup the plumbing investment within a season or two.
Can I convert a natural gas heater to propane?
Only dual-fuel models like the Mr. Heater units are designed to switch safely. Never modify a single-fuel heater’s orifice yourself, as it creates a serious fire and carbon monoxide risk.
How far should a patio heater sit from the ceiling?
Keep at least 18 to 24 inches of clearance above the reflector and 24 inches from walls or awnings, and only use vent-free units outdoors or in well-ventilated spaces.
Do these heaters work in winter?
They excel in spring and autumn and take the edge off mild winter nights, but expect reduced comfort below freezing in open, windy areas.
Final Thoughts
If your patio has a gas line, the Golden Flame 49,000 BTU or the 45,000 BTU XL-Series deliver effortless, low-cost warmth all season. If you value flexibility or lack a hookup, the dual-fuel Mr. Heater models let you start on propane and switch later. Match the fuel to your habits first, then let BTU output and safety features guide the final call.
